Turn your passion into career! But how?

Being a fitness instructor is the perfect antidote to a corporate desk job. No office, no deadlines and the opportunity to help people help themselves. But what does it take and what should you consider before re-training?

1. What do I need?
• A keen interest in health and fitness
• Good people skills
• Knowledge of how the body works
• A desire to help people achieve their personal health and fitness goals.

2. Certification
Research training providers who offer accredited qualifications, allowing you to access the REPS register upon successful completion. Providers like YBFIT Training.

3. What should I consider once qualified?
• Health and safety (Risk Assessments/First Aid)
• Insurance (Amount and who to go with)
• Environment (Indoors or outdoors)
• Competition locally
• What to charge
• Who is your target market

4. Speciality
Like a doctor, trainers who specialise can charge more. Do you want a jack of all trades or a specialist? Several level 4 courses now exist for instructors to specialise in areas such as lower back pain, diabetes, cancer, childhood obesity and others.

5. Become indispensable to your clients
Being successful takes work, skill, talent and experience. Get a mentor, join organisations such as REPS or Fitpro, go to conventions, workshops and seminars. Learn yourself to the top of your profession and along the way your clients will find out they cannot live without you!